September 11, 2025 – Modena, Italy – IK Multimedia has officially announced the Brown Sound 82/84 Signature Collection for TONEX, the third and final release in their limited-edition TONEX Brown Sound series. This powerful new collection features 83 expertly captured Tone Models, including amp-only versions ideal for pairing with your favourite IRs or running through a real cabinet on stage.
The Evolution of the Iconic Brown Sound: Tighter, Polished, Yet Raw
As the push for radio-ready guitar tones intensified in the early ’80s, the Brown Sound evolved—becoming more refined and polished without losing its aggressive, iconic character. This new collection lets guitarists explore faithful recreations and nuanced variations, reflecting different theories about how these legendary tracks were originally recorded.
1982 Tone Models: Bright, Layered, and Studio-Polished
The 1982 sessions introduced a brighter and more layered tone while maintaining the Brown Sound’s core character. IK Multimedia’s Tone Models replicate the use of the Celestion G12-65 speaker, which delivered a tighter low end, warm mids, and smoother highs compared to earlier Greenbacks.
Captured at the iconic Amigo Studios, the 1982 tones benefit from changes in mic placement and outboard gear, adding polish and dimension that reflect the more sophisticated production of the era.
1984 Tone Models: Precision Meets Power
By 1984, the Brown Sound had become even more controlled and sonically precise. Tracked at a state-of-the-art studio in Coldwater Canyon, this period introduced more processed yet still energetic tones. IK Multimedia’s models suggest the influence of Telefunken EL34 tubes, which likely contributed to the added warmth and midrange presence.
Tone tweaks, exact Variac voltage settings, and advanced amp mods created a unique tonal identity for each track—faithfully recreated in this collection.
The Heart of the Collection: “The ONE” Amp
At the core of the Brown Sound 82/84 Signature Collection is “The ONE”—a custom-built Marshall-style amplifier based on the legendary 1968 Super Lead (serial number #12301). Built to exacting specifications, this amp includes all critical mods needed to capture the true DNA of the original Brown Sound—offering unmatched authenticity for purists and modern players alike.
No Tone Unturned: Variac, Speakers, Mics, and More
Every Tone Model in the 82/84 Collection was built using a wide array of tonal control points, including Variac voltage, cab voicing, mic geometry, and parallel load options. You’ll find models using different voltages, speaker types, and pickups—perfectly reflecting the tonal shift from 1982 to 1984.
All Tone Models are:
- Level-matched
- Offered with or without parallel load
- Captured raw, with no post-processing for maximum flexibility and authenticity
Ready to Play and Record
Like the other collections in the series, the Brown Sound 82/84 Tone Models were captured using period-correct gear and studio techniques. Each model replicates the recorded tones of the final two Brown Sound albums in stunning detail, giving players the perfect foundation to layer on time-based effects—either inside TONEX or using your go-to pedalboard.
Pricing and Availability
The TONEX Brown Sound 82/84 Signature Collection is available now via ToneNET and in all versions of TONEX for Mac/PC for $/€99.99*.
Collection Breakdown:
- TONEX Brown Sound 78/79 – $/€99.99* – 50 Tone Models
- TONEX Brown Sound 80/81 – $/€99.99 – 73 Tone Models
- TONEX Brown Sound 82/84 – $/€99.99 – 83 Tone Models
- TONEX ONE Brown Sound Limited Edition – $/€249.99
- Includes 78/79 + one other Brown Sound collection
- Existing 78/79 users receive a $/€50 discount at the IK Store
- TONEX Brown Sound Anthology Collector’s Limited Edition – $/€599.99
- Includes all three TONEX ONE colours (white, red, yellow)
- Includes all three Brown Sound Signature Collections (78/79, 80/81, 82/84)
- Limited to 200 units worldwide
About IK Multimedia
IK Multimedia is a global leader in music production software and hardware, known for its cutting-edge amp modeling technology and its commitment to capturing the sound and feel of legendary gear with unmatched realism. With the TONEX Brown Sound series, IK once again sets the standard for guitar tone modeling and digital amp capture.
Read more on the IK Multimedia Brown Sound 82/84 on the IK Multimedia website
